-BAPTISM-

Baptism in the Old and New Testaments

Baptism is an old religious ceremony. In the Old Testament, the priests had several instances in which they had to go through ceremonial cleansings before offering sacrifices on behalf of the people. However, the word used there is more accurately rendered as “washing” or “cleansing,” whereas the New Testament word means to “submerge or immerse in water.”

The Greek word used by New Testament writers is baptizo. John the Baptist used this ceremonial act as an outward sign of repentance (baptism still shows this today). Jesus, as our example, took part in this baptism, too: “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan” (Mark 1:9).

Is baptism necessary for salvation?

Baptism is not necessary for salvation, although some Christian groups and denominations claim it is. Perhaps the best example of this is the man who died on the cross next to Jesus. He believed in Jesus and was not baptized before his death, yet Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Scripture also teaches against a works-based salvation. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Although baptism is not required for salvation, it is commanded in Scripture for those who put their faith in Christ.

Baptism is a command, not a recommendation.

Baptism is clearly commanded by God throughout Scripture. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, commands it of all His disciples (meaning, all Christians) in the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). For our church, when we baptize someone it’s not to boost our church’s numbers or merely provide an external demonstration—it is a direct fulfillment of a direct order from our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The apostles relayed the command of baptism to everyone in the first-century church. In Acts, Peter says, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Throughout the book of Acts, baptism is a standard and normative practice for someone who professes faith in Jesus. None of the apostles waver in their teaching on baptism as an act of obedience and significant testimony to true salvation.

God wants us baptized.

Baptism is primarily symbolic (similar to communion). But God does use both baptism and communion as a means of grace to his people. God is very serious about ensuring his church observes this practice. It testifies to the gospel at work in the life of the person being baptized.

Romans 6:3–4 says, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” With Christ’s death and resurrection, baptism took on a new meaning. It still represents our repentance but now carries the importance of identifying us with Christ. When we’re placed under the water, we are “buried” with Jesus, symbolically showing that we have died to ourselves. When we’re brought up out of the water, we are “raised” to new life, symbolically showing that we are resurrected as a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Colossians 2:12 further illustrates this point, saying, “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”

When we should be baptized.

Because baptism is a picture of our conversion, we should be baptized after we place our faith in Jesus. Baptism is an outward representation of what’s already happened on the inside. It makes no sense to be baptized without a true salvation experience. Because of this, people who were baptized before they were truly saved might consider being baptized now to show they are genuinely born again. This is relevant for folks who were baptized as an infant or were baptized young before they properly grasped or understood the gospel.

God’s command for obedience in baptism does not expire. Simply put, no matter how long one has been saved, if you have not been baptized, you have not fulfilled the command. God’s desire for you is obedience and a strong testimony.

How we should be baptized.

We believe the best mode of baptism is immersion (i.e., “dunking” instead of sprinkling or pouring). This is for two reasons. First, the Bible's word (baptizo) means “to immerse.” And second, the symbol of burial and resurrection is lost in sprinkling or pouring. When one of our loved ones passes away, we bury them. We don’t lay them in a field and just sprinkle a little bit of dirt on them.

If a Christian is baptized post-conversion in a way other than immersion, they may pray about and consider being re-baptized, but shouldn’t feel pressured or compelled. Ultimately, there is no binding Scripture in this case, so it’s hard to be dogmatic. Our church’s pastors are happy to talk through each individual’s personal story.

Caution concerning the sin of disobedience.

This short write-up about baptism details the scriptural command to all followers of Christ. To disobey or act contrary to this is nothing short of sin. James 4:17 tells us, "whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” Be blessed, be obedient, and be proud of baptism because it is a testimony to Jesus.

Contact us!

If you are interested in learning more about baptism at New Heights, we would love to hear from you. Just click below to fill out a short form—one of our pastors will gladly follow up with you!